Tivoli brings back the boombox with stylish designs for its striking wireless music systems
Classy US manufacturer Tivoli has unveiled not one but three new portable products, and they are quite the striking trio. At first glance, you might assume that this is a triumvirate of radios, or a single radio accompanied by a pair of mini-boomboxes; but you would be wrong on almost every count. Let's break down exactly which model does what, because, as the saying goes, appearances can be deceiving.
First up is the Model 2 Digital, a 20-watt wi-fi and Bluetooth speaker which looks all the world like a classic Tivoli radio but is in fact a portable wireless model capable of connecting to the internet and supporting various streaming platforms including Google Chromecast and AirPlay 2, as well as services such as Spotify Connect, Apple Music, Google Play, Tidal Connect and TuneIn.
Like many portable wireless speakers capable of Bluetooth connectivity (think the JBL Charge 5 Wi-Fi, for example), you can use the Model 2 Digital's multi-room capabilities to play peer-to-peer via Bluetooth 5.2. Alternatively, you can connect additional wired audio devices to the unit via a handy 3.5mm auxiliary input.
Next up is the SongBook MAX, a striking, industrial-retro-style music system that reminds us of the boomboxes of old, albeit on a smaller scale. The SongBook Max is a radio, despite looking less like one than the Model 2, although it does also feature Bluetooth 5.3 for streaming your favourite tracks wirelessly. There's a scan button at the front for storing up to five of your favourite FM or DAB+ radio stations, as well as a 6.35mm aux input for plugging in a turntable, guitar or even a keyboard. Hey, why not?
It's pretty powerful, too. Tivoli teases the Max as a performer suited to entertaining both in the home or even outdoors (thanks to a useful carry handle and a built-in battery boasting up to 10 hours of juice), and it should be capable of going loud and proud courtesy of its three-driver configuration. The striking new unit houses a 10cm subwoofer, 10cm midrange driver and a 2cm tweeter to produce what Tivoli promises is "impressive audio scale and detail".
Last up is the standard SongBook which doesn't feature radio functionality but mirrors its bigger, more expensive sibling by offering the use of Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless streaming, as well as the same 6.5mm auxiliary input and front-panel controls. The battery, too, lasts up to 10 hours, with the standard SongBook boasting just two drive units (a 9cm full-range driver and a single 9cm woofer) in contrast to the Max's three. There is, as on the Max, a solid handle for ease of portability.
All three models, released in November, are available to preorder now at the following prices and in the following colourways:
Model 2 Digital - Available in White/Silver or Walnut/Gold: ￡399 / $449
SongBook Max - Available in Green or Cream/Brown: ￡599 / $599
SongBook - Available in Green or Cream/Brown: ￡449 / $449
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